Ever do so much research that you lost interest?

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

I feel really embarrassed asking this question but here goes...

Have you ever thought about, longed for and researched a watch purchase for so long that, in the end, you actually lost your excitement for it before you even purchased it?

The reason I ask is that I have spent almost two years researching, saving, frequently visiting and trying on my intended target (Explorer II) that I now feel like I have lost my enthusiasm for it. Its like I have already owned it before I even bought it. The best example I can think of is the feeling I got when I snooped at a present as a kid only to find out it ruined the whole experience on Christmas morning.

I'm really perplexed by it because I'm not sure if this is just a phase, a classic example of paralysis by analysis, or if its just not the watch for me anymore. I almost feel like I ruined it for myself in some way.

I know this sounds kinda silly and I should perhaps book some time in therapy but its an odd crisis of confidence that is throwing my whole thought process into a loop, particularly since this was THE watch that I used as personal motivation for two years worth of self improvement and goal setting that I have finally achieved.

I know the easy answer is to say "well it wasn't the watch for you anyways" but I am also worried that its just a phase or, worse, something the will happen with the next watch if I decide on something else. Anyhow, have you ever been through the same thing and, if so, what happened?


Take care,

Ruddiger

[VaRobot]

Now you know all the details about that mysterious beautiful woman. Not so much of a fantasy anymore. Welcome to the reality.

[beshannon]

Yes and it almost cost me my interest in watches.

Take a step back

[mike]

It's only a watch. Don't over think it.

Vintage might different, but modern.....

[Camel]

It never happened to me, but it makes sense.

[Vinyasa]

Yes, I do this often. Over think, over plan, then lose interest for a while. Eventually, I'll come back to it with a more balanced perspective.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Ruddiger

Have you ever thought about, longed for and researched a watch purchase for so long that, in the end, you actually lost your excitement for it before you even purchased it?

That is the value of research.

The more you do, the less likely you are to wind up with a watch, or anything else, that ultimately disappoints.

[thefatboy]

I have done exactly the same thing. I wanted a Tag Monaco, I researched the hell out of it, new and second-hand prices, tech specs, tried it on several times and by the time I had the funds available it just seemed a little....too familiar maybe?

I can't explain exactly why but I then started to consider others as well and ended up with a Planet Ocean. I have to say now though, while I love the PO, I do have an itch for a Monaco again. So for me at least, the desire did eventually return.

Good luck with whatever you decide though.

[red1108nyc]

That is called "burnout". Anything in excess in life is not a good thing.

[ppbskis]

Yes I have too. I was addicted to the EWC phone app and looked at so many Pateks that I actually overcame my longing for one. The reliability and durability of Rolex is what kept me from going PP.

[joe100]

Did something similar with my Porsche purchase. If you read the forums, every Porsche is an expensive time-bomb that will destroy your life. Massive failures here, expensive repairs there. Eventually, I just put it all out of my head. I was gonna either be stupid and happy or sad and smart. I chose stupid and happy

[GB-man]

Yeah it happens. Be careful about switching your pick as you may realize afterwards the expII was the watch for you all along.

First instinct is usually correct.

[AK797]

"Men go to bed with Gilda, but wake up with me."

You want to find your Rita Hayworth.

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

Thanks to all for your wisdom and insights as it really is helpful. I think I'm gonna take the advice to step back for a couple weeks and see what percolates. Hopefully that will take the edge off and put things back into perspective.

I've had a lot on my mind of late that has been causing a lot of stress and anxiety in all areas of my life, not just in decisions about watches. I suspect that is as much a part of the problem as anything else. Hopefully some time to decompress will help in more ways than one.

Take care,

Ruddiger

[cop414]

I think that you're right about taking a step back. Give it a month or two and see if you still long for it. I think that OCD sometimes runs rampant here, some research is a good thing but it is possible to overdo it. I've done the same thing albeit not with watches.
Good luck and congrats on reaching your goals!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by cop414

I think that you're right about taking a step back. Give it a month or two and see if you still long for it. I think that OCD sometimes runs rampant here, some research is a good thing but it is possible to overdo it. I've done the same thing albeit not with watches.
Good luck and congrats on reaching your goals!

2 months Tim . . . by that time it might be sold

[Toony]

Sometimes I wish I could just do something or buy something without researching it. Happy to hear I'm not the only one.

[iAmVice]

Sounds like a boon, if one can vicariously own a watch through research! That's amazing!

[Jcy90]

Exactly what happened to me with a Day Date 18238. Looked up so many different years missed some excellent watches at amazing prices and even some that were close to NOS at my budget. Tried it on a few times owned one for a bit with aftermarket dial/bezel and just got totally turned off by that watch. Then researched the GMT 16710 Pepsi for about 2-3 weeks pulled the trigger and very happy with my purchase. Do enough research that you'll get a nice condition watch at a fair price and that's it. The more research you do on these watches the more you'll be turned off. And if you like to flip then there's nothing wrong with that! Own it for a few months. And then trade for something else!

[1William]

I would say if you really want a watch and the research has shown you how great this one is you should now buy it because you are ready. If you enjoy the research and chase, move on to another watch, repeat. Wanting something, getting it and living with it are three distinct steps.

[dddl]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That is the value of research.

The more you do, the less likely you are to wind up with a watch, or anything else, that ultimately disappoints.

Exactly...

[Dyim]

I think you just saved yourself some $. You are enjoying the watch hobby without having to buy it!

Sometimes the chase is the exciting part.

Take a break and I am sure something else will come up.

[m1911a1]

I thought you bought an Explorer-II?
Is this referencing the opposite dial color, yet matching, NEXT Explorer-II?

[Ruddiger]

Originally Posted by m1911a1

I thought you bought an Explorer-II?
Is this referencing the opposite dial color, yet matching, NEXT Explorer-II?

Howdy,

Not yet, the stars have all aligned and there is no reason not to other than my own indecision...

Take care,

Ruddiger

[SemperFi]

Actually my extensive research into watches spurred my interest to a greater extent. I got that much more excited as I narrowed down my choices and finally made a decision on my first Rolex. I have absolutely no second thoughts because I know that I picked the right watch.

[68camaro]

Originally Posted by Ruddiger

Have you ever thought about, longed for and researched a watch purchase for so long that, in the end, you actually lost your excitement for it before you even purchased it?

Yes, in general I can over think and over analysis and this has cost me some enjoyment and missed opportunities by taking to long "to think it over".

The research is part of the fun but it needs to be in balance.

[leetse2]

For me it is kinda cyclical. I typically have a few watches at the top of my acquisition list and the order continually changes as I do more research. I'm sure when you do acquire the Explorer II you will be enamoured with it but will likely have another watch quickly pop into your must have list. This is there life of a collector... Good luck.

[kilyung]

My research has caused me to study watchmaking for the last five years so no regrets.

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

There was a lot of great advice offered to me in this thread so I wanted to include an update (albeit a teaser as well).

I was able to completely step away from the process for a couple of months and collect my thoughts. It certainly worked wonders. Dunring that time I was able to rekindle my interest and finally look at this with some clarity and a fresh perspective.

A purchase has finally been made and the ubiquitous incoming thread shall be coming as soon as I figure out a cool way to do it

Take care,

Ruddiger

[swils8610]

Paralysis by Analysis!!